Fantasy Football

Javonte Williams

RB - DEN

Height:

Weight: lbs

Age: --

College: North Carolina

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2024 Season Outlooks

Three years after being drafted by the Broncos, Williams appears to be in a battle this preseason for playing time. Reports from offseason practices and even comments about competition from coach Sean Payton suggest that Williams' role could change. Denver has multiple running backs who have more speed than Williams showed last year and added a rookie in Audric Estime who can play with as much physicality as Williams. Coming back from a torn ACL in 2023, Williams averaged just 3.6 yards per rush, ranked outside the top 30 qualifying running backs in avoided tackle rate and explosive play rate, and had his stats salvaged by receptions (11 games with at least three catches) and occasional touchdowns (three rushing, two receiving). If reports on Williams turn positive by August then he'll be worth targeting in the Round 6 range, but until then Fantasy managers would be wise to dock him at least one round since he could be in an undesirable role by the time the season begins.

Though Williams' numbers were lackluster -- his yards per carry, explosive-play and yards after contact numbers were down considerably compared to pre-knee reconstruction -- credit him for quickly returning to action. He proved ready to play in Week 1, 343 days after tearing the ACL, LCL and posterolateral corner in his right knee, and appeared in 16 games, including handling 15-plus touches nine times. That aggressive recovery, coupled with the hefty workload, might have contributed to the so-so numbers, and he wouldn't be the first player to take a bigger step forward the second year following such a significant operation. Williams, now 24, has a fantasy RB2 ceiling, but he would be wisely selected as a flex while his team overhauls the quarterback position.